Cerrejón donates two ultra-cold freezers to store COVID -19 vaccines in La Guajira

On February 19, Cerrejón delivered the first of two ultra-cold freezers and a power generator that will allow storage of COVID-19 vaccines for the inhabitants of La Guajira. This donation is just one part of the company’s contribution to strengthen the health sector in this region and to support measures to prevent the virus from spreading among the inhabitants.

The equipment donated is already in operation in Riohacha and reinforces the vaccine storage centre set up by the department’s Health Secretary.

The ultra-cold freezers meet all the necessary requirements established by departmental and national health agencies to meet the challenge of ensuring proper storage and conservation of the vaccine. Some COVID-19 vaccines pose the challenge of ensuring proper storage and conservation of the biological components, which must remain at temperatures established by the manufacturers of between -86°C and -200°C.

“At Cerrejón, we are delighted to see the first ultra-cold freezer in operation. Putting this equipment into operation is an example of how important it is to work together for La Guajira. We are at a crucial stage in this pandemic, which is why at Cerrejón we remain committed to working in coordination with national and local entities to help reduce the risk of the virus spreading”, stated Claudia Bejarano, President of Cerrejón.

Cerrejón has supported the health sector during the pandemic by donating the first molecular biology laboratory in the region to do PCR tests, which has made it easier to get results and stop the chain of infections. The company has also delivered 100,000 medical supplies that have made it possible for our health professionals to have protective items for daily work, as well as three mechanical respirators and more than 400 pieces of equipment including stretchers and foetal or cardiac monitors, among other things, plus the donation of 15,000 tests, between PCR and serological, for preventive analysis. Regarding support for the communities, in 2020 Cerrejón delivered more than 50,000 mercados (food/hygiene parcels), more than 29 million litres of drinking water, and protective items such as face masks and alcohol to the communities neighbouring the operation.